Ready for holiday excitement, East Chattanooga? Our guide has everything you need to celebrate the season. From East Chattanooga devotees to first-time explorers, our guide is your gateway to seasonal celebrations.
Experience the shimmering wonders of Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, where festive displays illuminate the trails, creating a magical atmosphere. The Holidays Under the Peaks event offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains alongside lively holiday festivities. And you definitely don't want to miss Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, which features enchanting holiday shows and a charming winter village. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the East Chattanooga Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around East Chattanooga
- Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas (Pigeon Forge)
- Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights (Lookout Mountain)
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (Sevierville)
- Ruby Falls Christmas (Chattanooga)
- Holidays Under the Peaks (Chattanooga)
- Wilderness at the Smokies (Sevierville)
- Ice on the Landing (Chattanooga)
- Noogalights (Soddy Daisy)
- Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS (Nashville)
- North Pole Limited Adventures Train (Chattanooga)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Chattanooga Holiday Light Displays
Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday lighting experience with themed realms and Santa's workshop.
Description:
Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights features over a million sparkling lights, a 43-foot walk-through tree of lights, and various themed realms like Arctic Kingdom and North Pole Village. Guests can enjoy festive lighting, Santa's workshop, and holiday shopping.
Where: Lookout Mountain | More Info: Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
Ruby Falls Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with twinkling lights and special activities.
Description:
Ruby Falls Christmas features twinkling holiday lights on the Village Plaza, festive cheer in historic Ruby Falls Castle, and special activities including visiting Santa and taking a keepsake professional photo. Enjoy a casual meal, local craft beer, and tasty treats by the fireplace at Castle Cafe. Cave adventures to see the thundering underground waterfall are available with advance reservation.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Ruby Falls Christmas
Noogalights
What to Expect:
Synchronized holiday lighting displays with music.
Description:
NoogaLights is a drive-thru holiday lighting spectacle featuring state-of-the-art lighting designs synchronized to music, available at two locations: the Chattanooga Choo Choo and Soddy-Daisy Park. The event includes a Halloween walk-thru light show in October and a Christmas walk-thru light show in November and December.
Where: Soddy Daisy | More Info: Noogalights
Novie’s Festive Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light display in a charming setting.
Description:
Novie’s Festive Lights in Rossville, GA, features a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Rossville | More Info: Novie’s Festive Lights
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light and sound experience with interactive village activities.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is a drive-through light show featuring thousands of synchronized lights and festive melodies. The event includes a visit to Santa's workshop, where elves bustle about, and Santa gets stuck in a chimney. After the show, guests can explore Snowy Mountain Village for activities like inflatable bounce houses, photo spots, and delicious treats.
Where: Sevierville | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS
What to Expect:
One-mile illuminated garden walk with s'mores and seasonal drinks.
Description:
Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS features a one-mile walking path through gardens illuminated by over a million lights, s'mores stations, seasonal libations, and a Holiday Marketplace with unique gifts and decor.
Where: Nashville | More Info: Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS
Memphis Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Memphis Zoo Lights features brand new light displays, holiday activities, and festive attractions like Santa visits and s'mores stations.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Memphis Zoo Lights
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show with Santa's Village and petting zoo.
Description:
The Dancing Lights of Christmas is a spectacular drive-thru light and music show featuring over two million lights synchronized to upbeat and traditional Christmas songs. The event includes admission to Santa's Village, visiting with Santa, and petting animals in the petting zoo.
Where: Lebanon | More Info: The Dancing Lights of Christmas
East Chattanooga Holiday Markets and Shopping
Chattanooga Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local artisanal items.
Description:
The Chattanooga Holiday Market is an indoor event at the Chattanooga Convention Center featuring over 200 local food vendors, artists, and crafters. Shoppers can find unique gifts, festive preparations, and a variety of handmade items including pottery, custom art, handcrafted jewelry, local foods, natural bath and body products, and locally designed apparel.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Chattanooga Holiday Market
Last Minute Market
What to Expect:
Free admission and parking with a variety of local artisan goods.
Description:
The Last Minute Market at Collegedale Commons offers a Christmas shopping extravaganza with a wide array of gifts and goodies. Explore festive stalls adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, showcasing handmade treasures from local artisans. Enjoy charming home decor, delicious gourmet treats, and live music in a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
Where: Collegedale | More Info: Last Minute Market
East Chattanooga Holiday Shows and Entertainment
North Pole Limited Adventures Train
What to Expect:
Santa visits every car on the train.
Description:
The North Pole Limited train ride is a family-friendly holiday event where passengers enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and storytelling as they travel to the North Pole. Upon arrival, Santa visits every car, creating a special experience for all.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: North Pole Limited Adventures Train
Jolly Jingle Jams
What to Expect:
Santa visits and holiday activities.
Description:
Jolly Jingle Jams at Dalton Mall features Santa visits and holiday activities throughout December.
Where: Dalton | More Info: Jolly Jingle Jams
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
What to Expect:
Over 6 million twinkling lights and heartwarming holiday shows.
Description:
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas features over 6 million twinkling lights, dozens of towering Christmas trees, and heartwarming holiday shows. Each land in the park tells a seasonal story through its unique and vibrant hues, from Santa's Village to Glacier Ridge. Enjoy festive flavors, seasonal shopping, and holiday music in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Where: Pigeon Forge | More Info: Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend
What to Expect:
Elvis-themed holiday celebrations with live music and special guest appearances.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Graceland with live concerts, special events, and tours of the mansion decked out in its finest holiday decor.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend
East Chattanooga Other Holiday Activities
Holidays Under the Peaks
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed animal encounters and SCUBA Claus diving.
Description:
The Tennessee Aquarium's Holidays Under the Peaks event features holiday music and decorations in the River Journey lobby, seasonal surprises, and special programs like SCUBA Claus diving and Polar Express 3D screenings. Guests can also participate in themed animal encounters and interactive experiences.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Holidays Under the Peaks
Ice on the Landing
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience with special events.
Description:
Ice on the Landing is a classic winter tradition offering outdoor ice skating for all ages in Chattanooga's bustling Southside. The rink features a modified schedule from January 18 to 28, with special events like the Skillet Curling Tournament. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, the rink will close. Updates are posted on their Facebook and website.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Ice on the Landing
Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Holiday train ride with Santa visit and festive treats.
Description:
Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train is a round-trip one-hour and 15-minute ride along the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge. Passengers can write letters to Santa, enjoy gingerbread cookies and chocolate milk, and experience a special visit from Santa. Each passenger receives a keepsake boarding pass and holiday bell.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train
Winter Skating
What to Expect:
Environmentally friendly Glice skating surface.
Description:
Winter Skating at Stable 41 offers a fun twist on generational fun with Glice, an environmentally friendly skating surface that allows skating regardless of weather. Enjoy a clean, friendly, and safe environment with options for skate rentals and a Snack Shack serving treats and drinks.
Where: Fort Oglethorpe | More Info: Winter Skating
Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
Spiritual nourishment and community bonding.
Description:
Union Gospel Mission's Christmas Dinner is a heartfelt celebration where guests come together to share a warm, nourishing meal, fostering community and spiritual connection.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner
Wilderness at the Smokies
What to Expect:
Real ice skating with festive music and lights.
Description:
At Wilderness at the Smokies, enjoy real ice skating on a 3,200 square-foot rink, surrounded by music, holiday lights, and a rink-side snack area. The event features various activities, including DJ nights, Santa visits, and figure skating performances.
Where: Sevierville | More Info: Wilderness at the Smokies
Christmas on Main
What to Expect:
Open-air ice-skating rink and live performances.
Description:
Christmas on Main in Savannah, Tennessee, features 12 fun-filled activities including lights, ice skating, live performances, train rides, and visits with Santa, all under the festive lights of downtown Savannah.
Where: Savannah | More Info: Christmas on Main
Ober Mountain Skiing and Skating
What to Expect:
Year-round indoor ice skating with a wide range of activities.
Description:
Ober Mountain offers a variety of activities including ice skating, ice bumper cars, scenic chairlift rides, and wildlife habitat viewing. The indoor ice arena is open year-round, providing a fun and accessible experience for all ages.
Where: Gatlinburg | More Info: Ober Mountain Skiing and Skating
Old Forge Distillery’s Whiskey Wonderland
What to Expect:
Unique blend of heritage and innovation in hand-forged Tennessee spirits.
Description:
Old Forge Distillery offers a family-friendly environment where visitors can see stills in action, sample various spirits, and enjoy craft cocktails in their lounge and patio area. Known for their heritage and innovation, they hand forge Tennessee spirits including moonshines, gin, cream liqueurs, and bourbon whiskey.
Where: Pigeon Forge | More Info: Old Forge Distillery’s Whiskey Wonderland
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- East Ridge (4 miles)
- Chattanooga (4 miles)
- Cleveland (22 miles)
- Dalton (26 miles)